“Some of life’s wildest journeys begin with a wrong turn.” – Beau Taplin

Remember when I mentioned that once in a while my impulsive side comes out? Well, this is a perfect example. I just had to take a peek and see what Washington had to offer. I was blown away by Oregon but the restless wanderer in me was itching for another adventure. A quick search on the internet pointed me towards the famous Panther Creek Falls. So I decided to chase another waterfall. The minute I crossed the bridge from Oregon to Washington I knew I made the right decision. I have to say it was pretty difficult driving considering I was way too distracted with the view. I parked at the side of the road, stared at the scenery for a long while, and took some pictures.

Here’s a video as well. The resolution is not as good (I used my phone) but it still shows the captivating scenery. I’m still mesmerized every time I watch this video.

I continued driving until my GPS led me into this dense forest with trees almost as tall as a skyscraper.

As I drove deeper into the forest the road became smaller and I really felt like Tarzan would appear out of nowhere. It was stunning.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find the falls. I tried but with limited research and resources, I couldn’t risk getting lost in the forest and not finding my way back. Was I disappointed? Yes. But did I regret it? Hell, no! I may not have reached my destination but the journey made it worth the drive.

On my way back to Oregon I crossed the Bridge of the Gods that spans the Columbia River and has gorgeous views. The fee to cross this bridge is around $2 for 2-axle vehicles. Please watch the video below.

In Portland, I stopped by the famous Grotto before heading to Multnomah Falls. The Grotto is a lovely outdoor shrine and botanical garden. The visitor center, lower garden, and grotto are free to visit. The general admission is $7 for the upper-level admission.

Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon located in the Columbia River Gorge. Easily accessible for all ages with free parking and no admission fees. However, be aware that it is extremely crowded during peak hours. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the rest of Oregon because of the huge crowd but there’s a reason why it’s so popular. The falls are really majestic.

My tips for this trip

1. Don’t be afraid to explore. Start early in the morning because it’s easier to find your way during the daylight in unfamiliar territory than it is at night.

2. Learn from my mistake. Plan ahead and make sure you have a detailed map of the place you’re planning to visit.

3. Bring food and water.

4. Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.

5. Bring a camera.

6. Please check out the link to my Amazon link below for recommended road trip gears.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/roadsbeltravelled        #AmazonInfluencer

I hope you enjoyed this post. Please feel free to comment. I’d love to hear from you.

Add me on Instagram @roadsbeltravelled or on Twitter @belcharm.